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May 8, 2014 | 01:00 PM

#16

reamer

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 3,789

Likes: 26

From: Connecticut

there "should" be a sticker on the inside of the drivers sun visor.

May 8, 2014 | 01:39 PM

#17

madMatador78

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2011

Posts: 2,750

Likes: 4

From: Pecatonica, IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by 83F250Chris

For my '83 F250, what is the correct sequence to go from 4H to 4L? Shift into Park then pull the lever into 4L? or shift into N then change gear? Been hunting around for a clear answer and haven't found one.

Im 99% sure you need to be in neutral to shift the transfer case into neutral or 4L, you also need to be stopped to do this. Every 4x4 I've had, this was the procedure.

May 8, 2014 | 05:16 PM

#18

Franklin2

Moderator

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 56,992

Likes: 2,741

From: Virginia

Quote:

Originally Posted by 83F250Chris

It depends. You can shift into park and then shift into 4L. BUT, if you shift into park and are on a hill, you may have a problem. I am sure you know how hard it is to get it out of park on a steep hill if you do not set the parking brake first. That's because there is a lot of strain on the driveline trying to hold the truck on the hill.

Same with the transfer case. The best condition to shift the transfer case to any mode, in or out, is to not have any strain on the driveline when shifting. This can be a problem. If you get the truck all bound up and decide to shift into 4x4 or 4L, you may have to shift it in neutral, and rock the truck back and forth to get the transfer case to shift. That's why it's best to "predict" when you might need 4x4, lock the hubs in and put it in 4x4 before you get into trouble.

Putting the tranny in neutral will work most of the time, but you still may have to play with it a little bit to get it in.

May 8, 2014 | 05:50 PM

#19

Nothing Special

Lead Driver

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 5,006

Likes: 72

From: Roseville, MN

Quote:

Originally Posted by madMatador78

Im 99% sure you need to be in neutral to shift the transfer case into neutral or 4L, you also need to be stopped to do this. Every 4x4 I've had, this was the procedure.

Electronic shift transfer cases have safeties that won't let you do things the truck doesn't want you to do. Most of them will not shift into low range unless you're in neutral. But lever-shift cases don't think they are smarter than you. They CAN be shifted in or out of any gear in any situations, but it you do something they don't like you can break things.

Franklin2 has it nailed. Shift when there isn't a load on anything. For shifting into low range generally the best way to do that is come to a stop, put the trans in neutral, then shift the t.case to low range.